Primeval forest onsen keep
Tucked into primeval national park forest, guests gather around a sunken stone hearth before retreating to quiet pond views.
What it’s good at
Notable
Modern timber architecture by Hideyuki Hiramoto featuring local Sapporo soft stone and minimalist floor-to-ceiling forest views.
Notable
Private stone onsen baths in every suite tap local Usubetsu mineral springs overlooking primeval national park forest.
Notable
Secluded Hokkaido ryokan hospitality pairing Usubetsu hot spring waters with multi-course dining centered on regional ingredients.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
Kasho Gyoen, our secluded ryokan, offers in-room onsens, and we spent an afternoon soaking in the stone tub…
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Set in Shikotsu-Toya National Park along the Usubetsu River, old-growth firs and maples surround the secluded grounds.
The rooms
Each modern suite features tatami seating, blond wood finishes, and a private stone bath framing the old-growth canopy.
The onsen
Soak slowly.
Private stone tubs in every suite draw mineral water directly from the local Usubetsu hot spring.
The spa
Spa Salon bi-you-te uses Hokkaido sugar-beet scrubs, and guests can book traditional Thai massages in their room.
At the table
The restaurant serves multi-course Italian menus cooked with seasonal Hokkaido ingredients and Shiraoi Wagyu overlooking the illuminated pond.
How it began

Originally founded in 1989, the ryokan was completely rebuilt into a modernist retreat crafted from local Sapporo soft stone.
Good to know
Stay here
Oku Jozankei Onsen Kasho Gyoen
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.